Support for Moral Living: Community, the Sacraments, and the Saints

Support for Moral Living: Community, the Sacraments, and the Saints UNIT 3, LESSON 16 Learning Goals The Church is the entire body of believers and a community of souls; the baptized are members of the Body of Christ. We need the seven Sacraments to grow in holiness. The saints are holy models for us to imitate. In order to live the good life we must cultivate not only the inner life of moral virtue, but the outer life by our participation in our communities, participation in the Sacraments, and instruction by those holy ones who came before us. Connection to the Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC 770-771 CCC 777-780 CCC 830-856 CCC 960-962 Vocabulary Church Ecclesia Sacrament BIBLICAL TOUCHSTONES As for the saints in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight. PSALM 16:3 (RSV) Since everything is to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought [you] to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion. 2 PETER 3:11 Unit 3, lesson 16 591

Lesson Plan Materials The Church Supports Our Moral Life The Saints Are Models of Holiness The Church in Scripture Sacraments Review Teacher Resource: Saint or Celebrity? Strips DAY ONE Warm-Up A. Ask students to recall the definition of Church from the previous unit. B. Write on the board the Catholic Dictionary definition of the Church: As the community of believers, the Church is the assembly (ekklesia) of all who believe in Jesus Christ; or the fellowship (koinonia) of all who are bound together by their common love for the Savior. C. Notice that, as we discussed in the unit on Church history, ecclesia in Greek means those called out. Conclude with the truth that the Church is the Body of Christ, which is a communion of souls comprising those called out by Christ to be members of His Body. The Church Supports Our Moral Life Directions: Read the information below and underline key sections, words, or phrases as you In the space below, take notes as your teacher goes over key points about the Church: read. Then, in the space below, take notes as your teacher goes over key points. ӹ _ A s we have been learning, the development We also have each other. We often think of of a life of prayer is one of the best the church as a building, but the Church ӹ _ supports for a Catholic s moral life. We is much more than that it is the whole also have the opportunity in the Church to body of believers. The Church is a gathering encounter Jesus physically in our daily lives. or an assembly of those called out to be a First and foremost, Jesus is present with us in community of believers who are the People ӹ _ the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. of God. Jesus said, This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for In the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we receive one another (John 13:35). The Church is both Jesus very Body and Blood. By consuming the ӹ _ spiritual and visible; timeless and historical. Body of Christ, the members of the Church She is formed of two components: one divine become the Body of Christ. We read in Mathew and one human. It is a mystery that the 26:26-28, While they were eating, Jesus took Church is both human and divine, and it can bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving be difficult to understand. On the one hand, it to his disciples said, Take and eat; this is we are in the world, but on the other, we are my body. Then he took a cup, gave thanks, not of the world. As we live out our baptismal and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all calling day by day, we become for others a of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, sign of Christ s presence in the world. which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. In this most amazing Our community of faith includes not just the scene we learn about the source and summit people on earth, but the entire Communion of the Catholic Faith, the Eucharist. We learn of Saints, that is, the whole community of the not only of the origin of the Blessed Sacrament, disciples of Jesus: those on earth, those in but of its relationship to repentance and Heaven, and those being purified in Purgatory. reconciliation with God, another important We can ask them to pray for us as we struggle Sacrament. The Sacrament of Penance and to live the life Jesus calls us to live. We, in Reconciliation also especially develops and turn, may support by our prayers other nourishes our moral life. Going to confession members of the community, both those who gives us the opportunity to receive God s are living and those who are in Purgatory. healing forgiveness and be reconciled to Him and the Church when we sin. 301 Last Judgment (detail of saints in Heaven), by F. Kavertzas 302 Activity A. Have students turn to The Church Supports Our Moral Life (page 301) in their workbooks. Give students time to read the information silently. B. After a few moments, go over the following points about the Church in a mini-lecture as students take notes on the worksheet. The Church is a gathering or an assembly of those called out to be a community of believers, who are the People of God. By consuming the Body of Christ, the members of the Church become the Body of Christ. The purpose of the Church is to colonize Heaven in the Body of Christ, but the Church is also the means by which the members are gathered. It has been so from the beginning. Members of the Body of Christ will be perfected in the economy of salvation. 592 SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

LESSON PLAN The Church is both spiritual and visible, timeless and historical. She is formed of two components, one divine and one human. This can be understood only as an article of faith. The Church is the sacrament or sign, and the instrument of our union with God. Formative Assessment Reiterate that the Body of Christ is the Church, and the Church is a community of souls. Then have students turn to, read, and analyze the verses and explanations on The Church in Scripture (page 303) in their workbooks. They should look up and write out the verses and match them with the correct explanation. The Church in Scripture Directions: Explanations The Body of Christ is the Church, and the Church is a community of souls. How do the following Bible passages illustrate the nature of the Church as a A. We are all different and we are to do our special part for the community and kingdom, community? Look up each Bible verse, and write out the verse on the lines below. according to the gifts God gave us. So we are all individuals but all members of the same Then read the explanations and match them to the correct verse, writing the body. letter of the corresponding explanation in the box next to it. B. If you surround yourself with other members of the Body of Christ, then wherever you gather in the name of the Lord, Christ will be with you. If Christ is with you, then you are Matthew truly a community 18:20 of the faithful. C. We have a civic duty in our community of souls to do Spiritual Works of Mercy, to love one another, and to spend time together in right relationship. D. By helping other members of our community to bear their burdens, we fulfill the twin commandments of Christ. Galatians 6:2 E. We must serve the community by performing the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and encouraging our brothers and sisters as we strive to colonize Heaven. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Hebrews 10:24-25 DAY TWO Romans 12:4-5 Warm-Up A. Write the seven Sacraments on the board and ask what they have in common. B. Now ask: What is a Sacrament? Sacraments are visible outward signs of inner grace, instituted by Christ, for our sanctification. 304 303 Activity Have students turn to Sacraments Review (page 305) in their workbooks. Read over the definitions and clarify any questions. Discuss the nature of the seven Sacraments and how they correspond to the human person and the stages of life. Formative Assessment Have students put the seven Sacraments on Sacraments Review into three groups: those of initiation, healing, and at the service of communion. Sacraments Review Directions: Sacraments are visible signs of inner grace, instituted by Christ, for our sanctification. Use the word bank and the definitions to put the Sacraments in their proper groups and match them with their definitions. Sacraments of Initiation: Sacraments Word Bank 1. Definition Holy Orders 2. Definition Baptism 3. Definition Anointing of the Sick Marriage Sacraments of Healing: Confirmation 4. Definition Reconciliation and Penance Eucharist 5. Definition Sacraments at the Service of Communion: 6. Definition 7. Definition Definitions: A. This Sacrament joins a man and woman together in a lifelong covenant. B. This Sacrament delivers a special outpouring the Holy Spirit. It involves the anointing with chrism oil (holy oil) and is followed by the words Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. C. This Sacrament provides spiritual and sometimes physical healing and allows the person to join his or her sufferings to the sufferings of Christ. D. This Sacrament is done in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit while the person receiving the Sacrament is immersed in water or water is poured over her head. E. This Sacrament is to ordain men to the priesthood. F. This Sacrament is the partaking of the real Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. G. This Sacrament is enacted when a Catholic confesses his or her sins to a priest with the spirit of true repentance in order that he or she will receive forgiveness. 305 Unit 3, lesson 16 593

LESSON PLAN DAY THREE Warm-Up A. Ask the class: If aliens landed on earth tomorrow and looked around, who or what would they conclude we worship? What are some signs they might look for? For example, where do people spend their time? What do they sacrifice for? What are the largest buildings? Ask what these fictional aliens would conclude upon seeing these things: people staring at their phones all day. people camped out overnight for concert people sitting at home in front of their tickets. televisions for hours. people standing in long lines to pay $5 for huge sports stadiums. a cup of coffee. magazine stands full of indecent images. You may wish to add your own examples here, based on current trends. B. In fact, the world today appears to worship material things and people all the time we call them celebrities. A celebrity is different from a saint. Remind students that some people think that Catholics worship saints because we ask them to pray for us. Remind them that we do NOT worship saints worship is only for God. But we can learn a lot from the holy model of saints. We venerate saints holiness, and not their achievements. C. Play a quick game of Saint or Celebrity? using Teacher Resource: Saint or Celebrity? Strips (page 602 in this guide). Before class, cut out the strips and place them in a hat or a box. A few blanks are included so you can customize these with relevant celebrities or favorite saints. The Saints Are Models of Holiness Directions: After reading this story about St. George, go back and make a list of attributes you found that are worthy of imitation. 1. 2. D. Call up students one at a time to take a strip and read it aloud. For each example, ask the class to call out Saint or Celebrity. E. Conclude this game by reminding the class that God and the world have very different ideas about what is worth imitating, but only God s idea leads to true happiness. We all have to decide which we will choose. 306 3. St. George and the Dragon by Raphael 4. 5. Activity and Assessment Have students turn to The Saints Are Models of Holiness (page 306) in their workbooks. Then, have your students read the story of St. George and the Dragon from the Golden Legend, found at SophiaOnline.org/StGeorge. 594 SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

LESSON PLAN Final Assessment This lesson concludes the unit on morality. You may wish to assign an essay question to give students a chance to demonstrate what they have learned. Consider prompts such as: Why should we be good? Compare and contrast the world s definition of freedom and happiness with their true meanings. In what ways is Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Unit 3, lesson 16 595

The Church Supports Our Moral Life Directions: Read the information below and underline key sections, words, or phrases as you read. Then, in the space below, take notes as your teacher goes over key points. As we have been learning, the development of a life of prayer is one of the best supports for a Catholic s moral life. We also have the opportunity in the Church to encounter Jesus physically in our daily lives. First and foremost, Jesus is present with us in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. In the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we receive Jesus very Body and Blood. By consuming the Body of Christ, the members of the Church become the Body of Christ. We read in Mathew 26:26-28, While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. In this most amazing scene we learn about the source and summit of the Catholic Faith, the Eucharist. We learn not only of the origin of the Blessed Sacrament, but of its relationship to repentance and reconciliation with God, another important Sacrament. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation also especially develops and nourishes our moral life. Going to confession gives us the opportunity to receive God s healing forgiveness and be reconciled to Him and the Church when we sin. We also have each other. We often think of the church as a building, but the Church is much more than that it is the whole body of believers. The Church is a gathering or an assembly of those called out to be a community of believers who are the People of God. Jesus said, This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35). The Church is both spiritual and visible; timeless and historical. She is formed of two components: one divine and one human. It is a mystery that the Church is both human and divine, and it can be difficult to understand. On the one hand, we are in the world, but on the other, we are not of the world. As we live out our baptismal calling day by day, we become for others a sign of Christ s presence in the world. Our community of faith includes not just the people on earth, but the entire Communion of Saints, that is, the whole community of the disciples of Jesus: those on earth, those in Heaven, and those being purified in Purgatory. We can ask them to pray for us as we struggle to live the life Jesus calls us to live. We, in turn, may support by our prayers other members of the community, both those who are living and those who are in Purgatory. 301 596 SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Answer Key The Church is a gathering or an assembly of those called out to be a community of believers, who are the People of God. By consuming the Body of Christ, the members of the Church become the Body of Christ. The purpose of the Church is to colonize Heaven in the Body of Christ, but the Church is also the means by which the members are gathered. It has been so from the beginning. Members of the Body of Christ will be perfected in the economy of salvation. 302 In the space below, take notes as your teacher goes over key points about the Church: ӹ _ ӹ _ ӹ _ ӹ _ Last Judgment (detail of saints in Heaven), by F. Kavertzas The Church is both spiritual and visible, timeless and historical. She is formed of two components, one divine and one human. This can be understood only as an article of faith. The Church is the sacrament or sign and the instrument of our union with God. Unit 3, lesson 16 597

Answer Key 1. B 2. D The Church in Scripture 3. E 4. A 5. C Directions: The Body of Christ is the Church, and the Church is a community of souls. How do the following Bible passages illustrate the nature of the Church as a community? Look up each Bible verse, and write out the verse on the lines below. Then read the explanations and match them to the correct verse, writing the letter of the corresponding explanation in the box next to it. Matthew 18:20 Galatians 6:2 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Hebrews 10:24-25 Romans 12:4-5 303 598 SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Explanations A. We are all different and we are to do our special part for the community and kingdom, according to the gifts God gave us. So we are all individuals but all members of the same body. B. If you surround yourself with other members of the Body of Christ, then wherever you gather in the name of the Lord, Christ will be with you. If Christ is with you, then you are truly a community of the faithful. C. We have a civic duty in our community of souls to do Spiritual Works of Mercy, to love one another, and to spend time together in right relationship. D. By helping other members of our community to bear their burdens, we fulfill the twin commandments of Christ. E. We must serve the community by performing the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and encouraging our brothers and sisters as we strive to colonize Heaven. 304 Unit 3, lesson 16 599

Answer Key 1. Baptism; D 2. Confirmation; B Sacraments Review 3. Eucharist; F 4. Reconciliation; G Directions: Sacraments are visible signs of inner grace, instituted by Christ, for our sanctification. Use the word bank and the definitions to put the Sacraments in their proper groups and match them with their definitions. 5. Anointing of the Sick; C 6. Marriage; A 7. Holy Orders; E Sacraments of Initiation: 1. Definition 2. Definition 3. Definition Sacraments of Healing: 4. Definition 5. Definition Sacraments Word Bank Holy Orders Baptism Anointing of the Sick Marriage Confirmation Reconciliation and Penance Eucharist Sacraments at the Service of Communion: 6. Definition 7. Definition Definitions: A. This Sacrament joins a man and woman together in a lifelong covenant. B. This Sacrament delivers a special outpouring the Holy Spirit. It involves the anointing with chrism oil (holy oil) and is followed by the words Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. C. This Sacrament provides spiritual and sometimes physical healing and allows the person to join his or her sufferings to the sufferings of Christ. D. This Sacrament is done in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit while the person receiving the Sacrament is immersed in water or water is poured over her head. E. This Sacrament is to ordain men to the priesthood. F. This Sacrament is the partaking of the real Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. G. This Sacrament is enacted when a Catholic confesses his or her sins to a priest with the spirit of true repentance in order that he or she will receive forgiveness. 305 600 SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Answer Key 1. When St. George happened upon the king s daughter dressed in a wedding dress as she was about to be eaten by the dragon, he asked her what was wrong, and she told him to go away or he would die too, and he responded with Fair daughter, doubt not, for I shall help you in the name of Jesus Christ. We ought to imitate St. George in helping those who need us. The Saints Are Models of Holiness Directions: After reading this story about St. George, go back and make a list of attributes you found that are worthy of imitation. 1. 2. 3. St. George and the Dragon by Raphael 4. 2. When the dragon 5. arrived to eat the girl. St. George, who was on his horse, drew his sword, made the 306 Sign of the Cross, then rode swiftly toward the dragon. He struck him with his spear, injuring him severely. We should face evil and danger just like St. George with faith in Christ and bravery in our hearts. 3. St. George had the maiden lead the dragon among the townspeople when it was subdued and they were all afraid. St. George said, Doubt not. Believe in God and Jesus Christ, and be baptized, and I shall slay the dragon. We ought to imitate St. George in encouraging others to believe in the power of Christ and to partake in the Sacraments to become holy. 4. The king offered St. George as much money as he could count, but he refused it, asking instead that it be given to poor people for God s sake. We ought to take the riches of this world and give them to the poor for God s sake in imitation of St. George. 5. St. George endured extreme tortures and by the grace and help of Jesus Christ overcame his torturers. We ought to imitate St. George in his endurance and fidelity for Christ. Unit 3, lesson 16 601

Saint or Celebrity? Strips TEACHER RESOURCE Note: Copy and cut out the strips for use in the lesson. Three blank strips are provided so you may add your own examples here, based on current celebrities or students favorite saints. A prisoner in a concentration camp gives his life for a fellow prisoner. A woman spends her life ministering to the poor in the worst slums on earth. An athlete wins eight straight Wimbledon titles. A person poses on the cover of a magazine, and it sells millions of copies. A person looks great in a new movie. A man spends his life providing food, water, and education to enslaved persons. 602 SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

A person invents a cool new product and makes a lot of money. A person is tortured for being a Christian and refuses to deny his faith. A gamer racks up a million views to his video on YouTube. Unit 3, lesson 16 603

Notes 604 SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

In the space below, take notes as your teacher goes over key points about the Church: _ _ _ _ Last Judgment (detail of saints in Heaven), by F. Kavertzas 302 Unit 3, Lesson 16

The Church in Scripture Directions: The Body of Christ is the Church, and the Church is a community of souls. How do the following Bible passages illustrate the nature of the Church as a community? Look up each Bible verse, and write out the verse on the lines below. Then read the explanations and match them to the correct verse, writing the letter of the corresponding explanation in the box next to it. Matthew 18:20 Galatians 6:2 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Hebrews 10:24-25 Romans 12:4-5 Unit 3, Lesson 16 303

Sacraments Review Directions: Sacraments are visible signs of inner grace, instituted by Christ, for our sanctification. Use the word bank and the definitions to put the Sacraments in their proper groups and match them with their definitions. Sacraments of Initiation: 1. Definition 2. Definition 3. Definition Sacraments of Healing: 4. Definition 5. Definition Sacraments Word Bank Holy Orders Baptism Anointing of the Sick Marriage Confirmation Reconciliation and Penance Eucharist Sacraments at the Service of Communion: 6. Definition 7. Definition Definitions: A. This Sacrament joins a man and woman together in a lifelong covenant. B. This Sacrament delivers a special outpouring the Holy Spirit. It involves the anointing with chrism oil (holy oil) and is followed by the words Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. C. This Sacrament provides spiritual and sometimes physical healing and allows the person to join his or her sufferings to the sufferings of Christ. D. This Sacrament is done in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit while the person receiving the Sacrament is immersed in water or water is poured over her head. E. This Sacrament is to ordain men to the priesthood. F. This Sacrament is the partaking of the real Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. G. This Sacrament is enacted when a Catholic confesses his or her sins to a priest with the spirit of true repentance in order that he or she will receive forgiveness. Unit 3, Lesson 16 305

The Saints Are Models of Holiness Directions: After reading this story about St. George, go back and make a list of attributes you found that are worthy of imitation. 1. 2. 3. St. George and the Dragon by Raphael 4. _ 5. _ 306 Unit 3, Lesson 16